Spring Into the Best You Yet: Refresh Your Routine in 3 Simple Steps!

Hi everyone! Spring is here, and I am here for it! Springtime is always a wonderful time to do a refresh, and not just in your home - this is the time of year to tackle your workouts, too! Now that warmer weather and more sunshine is around, there are plenty of opportunities to refresh your fitness routine. Try these three suggestions - add one in every other week, and by the time summer rolls around, you will be looking and feeling amazing!

1) Do your workouts in the morning. With the sun rising earlier, now is the time to make that commitment to getting up earlier and getting your workout done! I love working out earlier in the day: it gives me sustained energy, makes me feel like I have accomplished something, and boosts my mood! A few tips can help you move your movement to the AM: set out your workout outfit the night before; start by getting up 15 minutes earlier each week until you have enough time to get your workout in; and try something new! A new workout is key to keeping you engaged - my Denise Austin Membership has dozens of workouts and programs to keep you moving… and loving it!

2) Add weights to your workouts. Light weights added to your existing routines will give you more benefits: think more calories burned, a bigger metabolism boost, more lean muscle gained, and strength to carry you throughout your daily tasks! Start with 2-3 pound weights, and once you can do your entire routine comfortably, move up to 4-5 pounds. Or add a weighted vest to your walking routine (if you haven’t yet, join my Spring 4-Week Walking Challenge - the vest will take your results up a notch!) to increase all the benefits walking provides.

3) Focus on seasonal foods. Spring is the perfect time to begin adding more in-season fruits and veggies to your meals. These will not only give you antioxidants and fiber - so important for healthy aging and glowing skin - but help fill you up, too. I like to plan my plates to be 50% produce, 25% protein, and 25% healthy carbs. It’s easy to do: think frozen fruit for smoothies, berries to top your Greek yogurt, a hearty salad with kale, cheese and nuts at lunch, and veggie kabobs as a dinner side. My Eat Like Denise Meal Plan is like an on-demand cookbook filled with healthy, tasty recipes that are easy to make!